Birthday Music For Sigurd Rascher
Masterclass/Play-Along CD
by Alan Durst

Birthday Music for Sigurd M. Raschèr, for two alto saxophones, is a perfect portrayal of who Sigurd Raschèr was; a man who not only found interest in performing, but transcribing both classical and traditional works, education, the mechanics of the saxophone, and the exploration of third and fourth octaves. Koch illustrates these traits masterfully in his work through the inclusion of Fanfares, Swedish Folk Songs, the German National Anthem, extended techniques, and the use of the altissimo register. Lawrence Gwozdz and Harry Kinross White, who subsequently recorded it for their Albany Records album released in 2006 entitled Raschèr International, premiered the work and Dorn Publications. published it.